2007 Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit:
“Portraits of Alumni Achievement”

René Solis ‘72

“Set your goals early and then work hard to achieve them.”

René Solís has been following his beliefs since he was nine years old when he sold newspapers in downtown Laredo to earn money to buy Levi’s jeans. His parents, hardworking immigrants from México, could not afford to give such luxuries to their son, the youngest of their eight children.

When Solís began working at Joe Brand at 16 years old, he found himself in the company of people who would become mentors and shape his life and work ethic. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1971 and soon thereafter began his career in banking. Over the years, he has moved up the career ladder and now holds the title of executive vice president.